Abstract

This research looks at how Eco-Spiritual Alignment (ESA) and Cultural Intelligence (CQ) affect Purpose-Driven Engagement (PDE), Ethical Self-Efficacy (ESE), Spiritual-Innovation Nexus (SIN), and Sustainable Impact Orientation (SIO) in Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). It also looks at PDE as a middleman in these connections. Used structural equation modelling (SmartPLS 4.0) to look at the results of a quantitative survey of 212 sample faculty and administrators from Indian Higher Education Institutions. The research looked at both direct and indirect impacts of ESA and CQ on the outcome variables. ESA is a strong predictor of PDE, ESE, and SIN. CQ has a reduced but still favourable influence on ESE and SIO. PDE only partly mediates ESA’s influence on SIO and entirely mediates CQ’s effect on SIN. This shows how important involvement is in connecting values with results. This research presents a new paradigm that links spirituality, culture, and sustainability via interaction with a purpose. It gives useful advice on how to lead and grow in higher education.